Page 119 of The Sidekick

Am I doing the right thing?

What if I’m wrong and this doesn’t work? What happens then? Does she look at me like the maniac I am and walk away?

I can’t sit in this confined car any longer. I need to move while I lose my mind, and pacing helps for some unknown reason. I get out of the car and glance up at the sign above the building. I don’t really care what it is. I can wander up and down aisles until ten just to get this stress out.

Sweet Secrets.

It sounds like a damn lingerie shop. Of course, I end up here just to fuck me over a little more. I’m already wound up from holding her. I don’t need help. This is a horrible idea.

With a shake of my head, I walk inside anyway. I stop in surprise with a cringe. It’s obviously an adult store, but it's more upscale than anything I’ve been into. Fate has a twisted sense of humor right now. I might as well explore to amuse myself.

I wander around until I come to an aisle filled with different types of shibari rope. I’ve been to places with small selections. This place has so many it takes up an entire aisle on its own.

I had no idea this place was even here. It’s even close to the gym. How did I miss it? I usually have to order my ropes online to get good quality, and this place has practically been next door the whole time.

I’m crouched down, holding a bamboo rope, testing the textures when I hear her.

The affect her voice has on me is instant. I swear my dick is determined to rise at anything having to do with her.

My first thought is, what is she doing here, and the second is, why does she sound so excited? Is she here with someone? Is fucking Max off his text ban?

“You look amazing in that. He definitely will get the hint with this one. Bye-bye, work distractions,” Tera giggles as she compliments someone.

“Are you sure?” Another voice asks loudly. I wince at the volume compared to Tera’s innocent reassurance.

“I’m not going to lie to anyone about seducing someone. What kind of person does that?” She protests back, sounding horrified.

There’s a long pause before they both say, “Shade.”

The following laughter is loud and carefree. My lips twitch up in response. I’ve never heard her laugh before. I’m already in love with the sound.

I stay crouched down, hiding where I am in the hopes that she won't see me. If she does, that means she wants to come down this out-of-the-way aisle. Maybe I do want her to find me next to a shelf full of my brand of kink. Fuck, that could either be amazing or terrifying. Would this make her run?

“You don’t think my butt looks huge in this?”

“Andi, you look edible. He’s going to love it. Honestly, out of everything I’ve lost in the last few months, my butt was the hardest hit to take.”

I recognize that name from Max’s stories and frown before her words sink in.

Her ass is perfect!

“I do miss the lush butt. However, the bite-size version is hot, too. Perfect handful. You need to start wearing clothes that actually fit you. I know it will help.”

What kind of friendship is this? Max has made no mention of her current status with her ex-best friend.

“I don’t think I’m ready for that,” Tera answers back quietly.

“Sweetie, are you doing better with the forbidden subject?” The concerned tone quickly turns to a panicked shout, “Please don’t throw something at me!”

“I’m so sorry about that, Andi,” Tera’s voice drops with shame, making me frown. “I just can’t stand people talking about it. It’s like an automatic throw any object in reach response now, and I can’t stop it.”

“Hey, you deal however you can, and I’ll learn to dodge, ok? No hard feelings at all. But… would you mind giving me an answer? I’ve been thinking up some ideas to help.”

There’s the sound of hangars moving around before Tera sighs, “I’m getting better.”

“Better, as in eating more smoothies? Or better as in the body affirmations are working and solid foods are getting easier?”

“Hey, those smoothies are amazing. Don’t knock them. They’re like an undiscovered religion, and I’m worshiping at the altar.” There’s the sound of gagging in response, and Tera giggles.

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